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Abstract:

A display device comprises: a display screen, a pixel layer, a backlight,
and at least one ambient light sensor (ALS) which detects ambient light
around the display device. An Optimal Power and Color Adjustment Module
(OPCAM) (a) receives detected ambient light information, (b) identifies
characteristics of the ambient light, including brightness and color
temperature, (c) selects a pre-calculated combination of power level and
color details that collectively enables pre-determined acceptable display
quality of images displayed on the display screen within the particular
viewing space, and (d) respectively forwards the pre-calculated power
level and color details to concurrently trigger the backlight drive
current controller and the pixel layer controller to provide a specific
amount of drive current to the backlight and specific color
characteristics, including an amount of color intensity of the pixel
layer, which collectively yields the pre-determined display image
quality, while optimizing power usage by the display device.

Claims:

1. A display device comprising: a panel having a display screen disposed
within a first surface; a pixel layer comprised of a plurality of color
pixels positioned behind the display screen; a pixel layer controller
communicatively coupled to the pixel layer and which controls color
characteristics, including color intensity, of received images by
selectively altering one or more of the pixels within the pixel layer to
control an amount of backlight that passes through the pixels according
to specified red, green and blue gain settings; at least one backlight
located proximate to the pixel layer and which provides a light source
that transmits light through one or more of the plurality of color pixels
to generate an image on the display screen; a backlight drive current
controller that controls a level of drive current provided to the at
least one backlight; at least one ambient light sensor (ALS) which
detects ambient light information within a particular viewing space
around the display device; and an Optimal Power and Color Adjustment
Module (OPCAM) which (a) receives the detected ambient light information
from the ALS, (b) identifies characteristics of the ambient light
including brightness and color temperature; (c) selects a pre-calculated
combination of power level and color details that collectively enables
pre-determined acceptable display quality of images displayed on the
display screen while the display screen is exposed to the ambient light
within the particular viewing space, while optimizing power usage by the
display device, and (d) respectively forwards the pre-calculated power
level and color details to concurrently trigger the backlight drive
current controller and the pixel layer controller to provide a specific
amount of drive current to the backlight and a set of color
characteristics, including a specific amount of color intensity, of the
pixel layer, which collectively yields the pre-determined acceptable
display image quality, while optimizing power usage by the display
device.

2. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a housing that
physically encases the display device, and wherein the display device is
an LCD having a backlight comprised of one of a plurality of White light
emitting diodes (LEDs), RGB LEDs, Sequential RGB (SRGB) LEDs and a cool
cathode florescent light (CCFL).

3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the backlight drive current
controller is coupled to a power source and responsive to receipt of the
pre-calculated power-level information from the OPCAM, the backlight
drive current controller sets a level of drive current that is forwarded
to the backlight.

4. The display device of claim 1, wherein: the pixel layer controller is
coupled to and receives image data from a data and signal interface
component that receives visual display image data from one or more of a
graphical processing unit, a central processing unit, and a connected
processing device executing software that generates the image; and
responsive to receipt of the pre-calculated color details from the OPCAM,
the pixel layer controller sets color details, including an amount of
color intensity, that are applied to an image being generated from the
received visual display image data.

5. The display device of claim 1, wherein the OPCAM selects the
pre-calculated combination of power level and color details from among a
plurality of pre-established combinations, wherein each pre-established
combination supports the pre-determined acceptable display quality of
images displayed on the display screen when the display device is located
within a viewing space having pre-identified types of color and luminance
characteristics associated with detected ambient light.

6. The display device of claim 5, further comprising: at least one input
mechanism that enables input of specific display preferences, including
at least one of a preferred power consumption level and a preferred color
quality level, for the display device; and wherein the OPCAM utilizes the
specific display preferences in determining which combination of power
level and color details to select for displaying images on the display
device within a current viewing space.

7. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: operational logic
of the OPCAM that: responsive to receipt of the ambient light information
from the ALS that indicates specific color and brightness characteristics
that fall within one of a plurality of pre-established ranges,
dynamically reduces a level of drive current to reduce an intensity of
the backlight, while concurrently increasing a color level of an image
being displayed to compensate for both (a) a color of the ambient light
and (b) the reduction in the backlight intensity, wherein an amount of
power utilized by the backlight is decreased while providing the
pre-determined acceptable display image quality.

8. A method comprising: detecting, via at least one ambient light sensor
(ALS) disposed within a panel of a liquid crystal display (LCD), ambient
light information associated with a particular viewing space surrounding
the LCD; identifying characteristics of the detected ambient light
information related to a light intensity and a color temperature of the
ambient light; selecting a pre-calculated combination of power level and
color details that collectively enables pre-determined acceptable display
quality of images displayed by the LCD when the LCD is located within the
particular viewing space, wherein the pre-calculated combination also
optimizes power usage by the LCD; and concurrently forwarding the
pre-calculated power level and color details to respectively trigger a
backlight drive current controller and a pixel layer controller of the
LCD to control a level of applied power provided to the backlight and
color characteristics, including an amount of color intensity, of the
pixel layer, wherein the applied power level and amount of color
intensity collectively yields the pre-determined acceptable display
quality of color intensity and illumination for displayed images, while
reducing power consumption by a backlight of the LCD.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the selecting is performed by an
optimal power and color adjustment module (OPCAM) which receives an input
of the ambient light information from the least one ALS, and wherein the
OPCAM comprises the backlight drive current controller and the pixel
layer controller.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: selecting the
pre-calculated combination of power level and color details from among a
plurality of pre-established combinations, wherein each pre-established
combination supports the pre-determined acceptable display quality of
images displayed on the display screen when the display device is located
within a viewing space having pre-identified types of color and luminance
characteristics associated with detected ambient light.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the selecting is performed by a
graphics processing unit (GPU) communicatively coupled to the at least
one ALS and to the backlight drive current controller and the pixel layer
controller.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving one or more
inputs of display settings/preferences related to at least one of a
preferred power consumption level and a preferred color quality level,
for the display device, wherein the display settings include factors from
among brightness, power control, and color intensity, and color contrast;
incorporating information received via the one or more inputs of display
settings/preferences into the selecting of the combination of parameters
that are respectively applied to the backlight and the pixel layer of the
LCD, wherein the specific display preferences are utilized in determining
which combination of power level and color details to select for
displaying images on the display device located within a current viewing
space.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein: the LCD comprises a housing that
physically encases at least the display panel and the backlight, and
wherein the LCD has a backlight comprised of one of a plurality of White
light emitting diodes (LEDs), RGB LEDs, Sequential RGB (SRGB) LEDs and a
cool cathode florescent light (CCFL); and the backlight drive current
controller is coupled to a power source; and the method further comprises
responsive to receipt of the selected combination, the backlight drive
current controller sets an amount of drive current being forwarded to the
backlight.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein: the pixel layer controller is coupled
to and receives image data from a data and signal interface component
that receives visual display image data from one or more of a graphical
processing unit, a central processing unit, and a connected processing
device executing software that generates the image; and responsive to
receipt of the pre-calculated color details from the OPCAM, the method
comprises pixel layer controller setting color details, including an
amount of color intensity, that are applied to an image being generated
from the received visual display image data.

15. An information handling system comprising: a processor; a graphics
processing unit (GPU); a power supply; a liquid crystal display (LCD)
panel communicatively coupled to at least one of the processor and the
GPU and which includes: a display screen disposed within a first surface;
a pixel layer comprised of a plurality of color pixels positioned behind
the display screen; a pixel layer controller communicatively coupled to
the pixel layer and which controls color characteristics, including color
intensity, of received images by selectively altering one or more of the
pixels within the pixel layer to control an amount of backlight that
passes through the pixels according specified red, green and blue gain
settings; at least one backlight located proximate to the pixel layer and
which provides a light source that transmits light through one or more of
the plurality of color pixels to generate an image on the display screen;
a backlight drive current controller that controls a level of drive
current forwarded to the at least one backlight; at least one ambient
light sensor (ALS) which detects ambient light information associated
with a particular viewing space around the LCD panel; and an Optimal
Power and Color Adjustment Module (OPCAM) which: (a) receives the
detected ambient light information from the ALS, (b) identifies
characteristics of the ambient light including brightness and color
temperature, (c) selects a pre-calculated combination of power level and
color details that collectively enables pre-determined acceptable display
quality of images displayed on the display screen while the display
screen is exposed to the ambient light within the particular viewing
space, while optimizing power usage by the display device, and (d)
respectively forwards the pre-calculated power level and color details to
concurrently trigger the backlight drive current controller and the pixel
layer controller to provide a specific amount of drive current to the
backlight and specific color characteristics, including an amount of
color intensity, of the pixel layer, which collectively yields the
pre-determined acceptable display image quality, while optimizing power
usage by the display device.

16. The information handling system of claim 15, further comprising a
first housing that physically encases the LCD panel, the at least one
backlight, and one or more additional components of the information
handling system from among the processor, the GPU, the OPCAM, the
backlight drive current controller, the pixel layer controller, and the
power supply, wherein the display device is an LCD having a backlight
comprised of one of a plurality of White light emitting diodes (LEDs),
RGB LEDs, Sequential RGB (SRGB) LEDs and a cool cathode florescent light
(CCFL).

17. The information handling system of claim 15, further comprising: a
second housing within which is disposed each component of the information
handling system that is not within the first housing, wherein the first
housing is rotatably coupled to the second housing by a hinge mechanism
to create a top panel of a single physical device.

18. The information handling system of claim 15, wherein: the backlight
drive current controller is coupled to the power source and responsive to
receipt of the pre-calculated power-level information from the OPCAM, the
backlight drive current controller sets a level of drive current that is
forwarded to the backlight; the pixel layer controller is coupled to and
receives image data from a data and signal interface component that
receives visual display image data from one or more of a graphical
processing unit, a central processing unit, and a connected processing
device executing software that generates the image; and responsive to
receipt of the pre-calculated color details from the OPCAM, the pixel
layer controller sets color details, including an amount of color
intensity, that are applied to an image being generated from the received
visual display image data.

19. The information handling system of claim 15, wherein the OPCAM:
selects the pre-calculated combination of power level and color details
from among a plurality of pre-established combinations, wherein each
pre-established combination supports the pre-determined acceptable
display quality of images displayed on the display screen when the
display device is located within a viewing space having pre-identified
types of color and luminance characteristics associated with detected
ambient light; and responsive to receipt of the ambient light information
from the ALS that indicates specific color and brightness characteristics
that fall within one of a plurality of pre-established ranges,
dynamically reduces a level of drive current to reduce an intensity of
the backlight, while concurrently increasing a color level of an image
being displayed to compensate for both (a) a color of the ambient light
and (b) the reduction in the backlight intensity, wherein an amount of
power utilized by the backlight is decreased while providing the
pre-determined acceptable display image quality.

20. The information handling system of claim 15, further comprising: at
least one input mechanism that enables input of specific display
preferences, including at least one of a preferred power consumption
level and a preferred color quality level, for the display device; and
wherein the OPCAM utilizes the specific display preferences in
determining which combination of power level and color details to select
for displaying images on the display device within a current viewing
space.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to display devices
utilized with information handling system and in particular to providing
improved power efficiency and color accuracy of display devices.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] As the value and use of information continue to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store
information. One option available to users is information handling
systems. An information handling system (IHS) generally processes,
compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business,
personal, or other purposes, thereby allowing users to take advantage of
the value of the information. Because technology and information handling
needs and requirements vary between different users or applications,
information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is
handled, how the information is handled, how much information is
processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the
information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in
information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be
general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as
financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data
storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling
systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that
may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may
include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and
networking systems.

[0005] Information handling systems typically utilize a display device to
provide visual output related to operations occurring within and/or being
performed by the IHS. Depending on the type of system, the display device
can be physically connected or affixed to the device or communicatively
connected to the device via one or more cables and/or intermediary
components, e.g., docking stations. Of the various types of display
devices that can be provided with different information handling systems,
perhaps the most common display devices in use today are liquid crystal
display (LCD) panels, conventionally referred to as simply an LCD. LCDs
are generally configured with a glass screen, a panel of (color) pixels
coupled to a pixel layer controller, and a backlight that illuminates the
pixels to create an image on the screen. The illumination of the pixel
requires power (in the form of an applied voltage or current) to be
applied to the backlight, and the level of illumination and/or the
perceived brightness of the image is conventionally assumed to correlate
to an amount of power (current) provided to the backlight from a power
source associated with the LCD or with the associated information
handling system. Manufacturers of LCDs and/or the devices that utilize
the LCDs continually look for ways to reduce the amount of power consumed
during presentation of images on an LCD, leading to an array of different
power saving techniques that typically involve reducing the brightness of
the backlight by reducing the amount of power applied.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Disclosed are a display device and a method for displaying images
on a display device that provides an improved backlight control with
color temperature compensation. Also disclosed is an information handling
system configured with a display device having similar functionality.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises: a panel
having a display screen disposed within a first surface; a pixel layer
comprised of a plurality of color pixels positioned behind the display
screen; a pixel layer controller communicatively coupled to the pixel
layer and which controls color characteristics, including color
intensity, of received images by selectively altering one or more of the
pixels within the pixel layer to control an amount of backlight that
passes through the pixels according to specified red, green and blue gain
settings; at least one backlight located proximate to the pixel layer and
which provides a light source that transmits/projects light through one
or more of the plurality of color pixels to generate an image on the
display screen; a backlight drive current controller that controls a
level of drive current provided to the at least one backlight; and at
least one ambient light sensor (ALS) which detects ambient light
information within a particular viewing space around the display device.
The display device further comprises an Optimal Power and Color
Adjustment Module (OPCAM) which (a) receives the detected ambient light
information from the ALS, (b) identifies characteristics of the ambient
light including brightness and color temperature; (c) selects a
pre-calculated combination of power level and color details that
collectively enables pre-determined acceptable display quality of images
displayed on the display screen while the display screen is exposed to
the ambient light within the particular viewing space, while optimizing
power usage by the display device, and (d) respectively forwards the
pre-calculated power level and color details to concurrently trigger the
backlight drive current controller and the pixel layer controller to
provide a specific amount of drive current to the backlight and a
specific set of color characteristics, including an amount of color
intensity of the pixel layer. The drive current and color characteristics
applied collectively yields the pre-determined acceptable display image
quality, while optimizing power usage by the display device.

[0008] According to a next embodiment, a method comprises: detecting, via
at least one ambient light sensor (ALS) disposed within a panel of a
liquid crystal display (LCD), ambient light information corresponding to
a particular viewing space (or ambient light space) surrounding the LCD;
identifying characteristics of the detected ambient light information
related to a light intensity and a color temperature of the ambient
light; selecting a pre-calculated combination of power level and color
details that collectively enables pre-determined acceptable display
quality of images displayed by the LCD when the LCD is located within the
particular viewing space, where the pre-calculated combination also
optimizes power usage by the LCD; and concurrently forwarding the
pre-calculated power level and color details to respectively trigger a
backlight drive current controller and a pixel layer controller of the
LCD to control a level of applied power provided to the backlight and
color characteristics, including an amount of color intensity, of the
pixel layer. The applied power level and amount of color intensity
collectively yields the pre-determined acceptable display quality of
color intensity and illumination for displayed images, while reducing
power consumption by a backlight of the LCD and/or the LCD.

[0009] Yet another embodiment provides an information handling system
comprising: a processor; a graphics processing unit (GPU); a power
supply; a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel communicatively coupled to
at least one of the processor and the GPU and which includes: a display
screen disposed within a first surface; a pixel layer comprised of a
plurality of color pixels positioned behind the display screen; a pixel
layer controller communicatively coupled to the pixel layer and which
controls color characteristics, including color intensity, of received
images by selectively altering one or more of the pixels within the pixel
layer to control an amount of backlight that passes through the pixels
according to specified red, green and blue gain settings; at least one
backlight located proximate to the pixel layer and which provides a light
source that interacts with one or more of the plurality of color pixels
to generate an image on the display screen; a backlight drive current
controller that controls a level of drive current provided to the at
least one backlight; and at least one ambient light sensor (ALS) which
detects ambient light information within a particular viewing space (or
ambient light space) around the LCD panel. The information handling
system further comprises an Optimal Power and Color Adjustment Module
(OPCAM) which (a) receives the detected ambient light information from
the ALS, (b) identifies characteristics of the ambient light including
brightness and color temperature; (c) selects a pre-calculated
combination of power level and color details that collectively enables
pre-determined acceptable display quality of images displayed on the
display screen while the display screen is exposed to the ambient light
within the particular viewing space, while optimizing power usage by the
display device, and (d) respectively forwards the pre-calculated power
level and color details to concurrently trigger the backlight drive
current controller and the pixel layer controller to provide a specific
amount of drive current to the backlight and specific color
characteristics, including an amount of color intensity of the pixel
layer, which collectively yields the pre-determined acceptable display
image quality, while optimizing power usage by the display device.

[0010] The above summary contains simplifications, generalizations and
omissions of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive description of
the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief
overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other
systems, methods, functionality, features and advantages of the claimed
subject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed written
description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in
conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that
for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the
figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other
elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure
are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, in
which:

[0012]FIG. 1 illustrates an example information handling system with a
display device configured to enable dynamic backlight control with color
temperature compensation, according to one or more embodiments;

[0013]FIG. 2 illustrates an example stand alone display device with
components and logic that enable the dynamic backlight control
functionality with color temperature compensation, in accordance with one
or more embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one example of the
functional logic components with ambient light sensor feedback provided
to an intermediate feedback analysis module, according to one or more
embodiments;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one example of the
functional logic components with ambient light sensor feedback to both a
backlight controller and a pixel processing controller, according to one
or more embodiments; and

[0016] FIG. 5 (5A-5B) is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a
method by which a display device processes detected ambient light
information to dynamically control both display backlight intensity and
color characteristics of displayed images, according to one or more
embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The illustrative embodiments provide a display device and a method
for displaying images on a display device that provides an improved
backlight control with color temperature compensation. Also disclosed is
an information handling system configured with a display device having
similar functionality. According to one embodiment, the display device
comprises: a display screen, a pixel layer, a backlight, and at least one
ambient light sensor (ALS) which detects ambient light information
associated with a particular viewing space around the display device. The
display device further comprises an Optimal Power and Color Adjustment
Module (OPCAM) which (a) receives the detected ambient light information
from the ALS, (b) identifies characteristics of the ambient light
including brightness and color temperature; (c) selects a pre-calculated
combination of power level and color details that collectively enables
pre-determined acceptable display quality of images displayed on the
display screen while the display screen is exposed to the ambient light
within the particular viewing space (or ambient light space), while
optimizing power usage by the display device, and (d) respectively
forwards the pre-calculated power level and color details to concurrently
trigger the backlight drive current controller and the pixel layer
controller to provide a specific amount of drive current to the backlight
and a specific set of color characteristics, including an amount of color
intensity of the pixel layer, which collectively yields the
pre-determined acceptable display image quality, while optimizing power
usage by the display device.

[0018] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of
the disclosure, specific exemplary embodiments in which the disclosure
may be practiced are described in sufficient detail to enable those
skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. For example,
specific details such as specific method orders, structures, elements,
and connections have been presented herein. However, it is to be
understood that the specific details presented need not be utilized to
practice embodiments of the present disclosure. It is also to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,
architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changes may
be made without departing from general scope of the disclosure. The
following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the
appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0019] References within the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "embodiments", or "one or more embodiments" are intended to
indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic
described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of such phrases in
various places within the specification are not necessarily all referring
to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments
mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.
Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements
for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the
disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are
intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms
"comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify
the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,
and/or groups thereof. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc.
do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first,
second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0021] It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or
parameter names and/or corresponding acronyms thereof, such as those of
the executing utility, logic, and/or firmware described herein, are for
example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the described
embodiments. The embodiments may thus be described with different
nomenclature and/or terminology utilized to describe the components,
devices, parameters, methods and/or functions herein, without limitation.
References to any specific protocol or proprietary name in describing one
or more elements, features or concepts of the embodiments are provided
solely as examples of one implementation, and such references do not
limit the extension of the claimed embodiments to embodiments in which
different element, feature, protocol, or concept names are utilized.
Thus, each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest
interpretation given the context in which that terms is utilized.

[0022] Within the descriptions of the different views of the figures, the
use of the same reference numerals and/or symbols in different drawings
indicates similar or identical items, and similar elements can be
provided similar names and reference numerals throughout the figure(s).
The specific identifiers/names and reference numerals assigned to the
elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant
to imply any limitations (structural or functional or otherwise) on the
described embodiments.

[0023] Various aspects of the disclosure are described from the
perspective of an information handling system and a display device of, or
for use with, an information handling system. For purposes of this
disclosure, an information handling system, such as information handling
system 100, may include any instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect,
record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information,
intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other
purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a handheld
device, personal computer, a server, a network storage device, or any
other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The information handling system may include
random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a
central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM,
and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the
information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or
more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as
various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and
a video display. The information handling system may also include one or
more buses operable to transmit communications between the various
hardware components.

[0024] With reference now to the figures, and beginning with FIG. 1, there
is depicted a block diagram representation of an example information
handling system (IHS) 100, within which one or more of the described
features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented.
Information handling system 100 includes at least one central processing
unit (CPU) 105 coupled to system memory 110 via system interconnect 115.
Also coupled to CPU 105 via system interconnect 115 is a graphics card
with a graphics processing unit (GPU) 125 located thereon. System
interconnect 115 can be interchangeably referred to as a system bus, in
one or more embodiments. Also coupled to system interconnect 115 is
nonvolatile storage (NVRAM) 120, within which can be stored one or more
software and/or firmware modules and one or more sets of data, such as
configuration settings for image display, that can be utilized during
operations of information handling system 100. These one or more software
and/or firmware modules can be loaded into system memory 110 during
operation of IHS 100. Specifically, in one embodiment, system memory 110
can include therein a plurality of such modules, including one or more of
firmware (F/W), basic input/output system (BIOS), operating system (O/S),
and application(s). These software and/or firmware modules have varying
functionality when their corresponding program code is executed by CPU
105 or secondary processing devices, such as GPU 125, within information
handling system 100. In one embodiment, one or more of these
software-based modules can be utilized to configure image display
settings and/or power management settings of information handling system
100. In order to operate the various electronic components, information
handling system 100 requires a power supply, which can be provided via an
external power source and/or an internal power source, such as battery
130. Use of the available power from the power source is moderated by
power management module 135, which is coupled to each main component via
a power bus to provide required power as well as perform other
power-related administrative tasks of the information handling system
100.

[0025] Information handling system 100 also comprises display device 150
having a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel communicatively coupled to at
least one of the CPU 105 and the GPU 125 and which receives power
allotment from PWM 135. Display device 150 can be an LCD having a
backlight comprised of one of a plurality of white light emitting diodes
(LEDs), RGB LEDs, Sequential RGB (SRGB) LEDs and a cool cathode
florescent light (CCFL). Specific internal component makeup and
configuration of display device 150 is described hereafter within the
descriptions of FIGS. 2-4. As shown in FIG. 1, disposed within display
device 150 are ambient light sensor(s) 160 which detect ambient light
information associated with a particular viewing space around the LCD
panel. The ambient light from the viewing space around the LCD panel is
generally represented with the directional arrows terminating on the
display screen.

[0026] The example information handling system is illustrated as a
notebook computer or laptop, in which display device 150 includes a first
housing 170 that is directly connected to a second, bottom housing 175
via a rotatable hinge mechanism. Thus, the first housing 170 is rotatably
coupled to the second housing 175 by the hinge mechanism to create a top
panel of a single physical device. According to the illustrative
embodiment of FIG. 1, most of the above described processing components
are generally housed within the second or bottom housing 175. Example
information handling system of FIG. 1 thus comprises: a second (top)
housing 175 within which is disposed each component of the information
handling system 100 that is not within the first housing.

[0027] It is appreciated that the display device described within the
various embodiments can be a display configured for use as a stand alone
display device requiring a cable or other form of connection to a
separate device or source that generates or provides the images and/or
data for display on the display device. Additionally, the display device
can also be an integral part of the actual electronic device, such as an
LCD screen utilized with tablet computers, smartphones, and single
integrated personal computing systems. Thus, in one or more alternate
implementations, an information handling system can comprise a single
housing that physically encases the LCD panel, the at least one
backlight, and one or more additional components of the information
handling system from among the processor, the GPU, the OPCAM, a backlight
drive current controller, a pixel layer controller, and the power supply.

[0028] Example information handling system 100 also includes one or more
input/output controllers which support connection of and processing of
signals from one or more connected input device(s) 140, such as a
keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or microphone and more connected output
devices. As described in the remaining sections of the disclosure, the
one or more connected output devices includes display device 150. In one
embodiment, the information handling system 100 includes at least one
input mechanism that enables input of specific display preferences,
including at least one of a preferred power consumption level and a
preferred color quality level, for the display device. Then, during image
processing operations, the OPCAM can utilize the specific display
preferences in determining which combination of power level and color
details to select for displaying images on the display device within a
current viewing space.

[0029] Additionally, in one or more embodiments, information handling
system 100 can include one or more device interfaces 142, such as an
optical reader, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a card reader,
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMIA) slot,
and/or a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI). Device interface(s)
142 can be utilized to enable data to be read from or stored to
corresponding removal storage device(s), such as a compact disk (CD),
digital video disk (DVD), flash drive, or flash memory card.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a more detailed view
of the component makeup of an example display device 150 configured to
operate according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Display device 150 comprises a panel, indicated as LCD panel 205, having
a display screen (at front of panel), disposed within the panel. For
simplicity, the combination of LCD panel with display screen shall be
referenced herein as LCD screen 205. Display device 150 also includes a
pixel layer 210 comprised of a plurality of color pixels positioned
behind LCD screen 205, and display device 150 includes at least one
backlight 215 located proximate to the pixel layer 210 and which provides
a light source that interacts with one or more of the plurality of color
pixels to generate an image on the LCD screen 205.

[0031] Display device 150 comprises one or more control circuit
components, which perform various of the operations described herein to
enable the display functionality described by the disclosure. In one
embodiment, one or more of these control circuit components can be
located on a printed circuit board (PCB) 220. Included in these control
circuit components is internal processor/controller 225. Additionally,
communicatively coupled to the pixel layer 210 is pixel layer controller
235 or pixel layer control circuit. Pixel layer controller 235 controls
color characteristics, including color intensity, color temperature,
color contrast, and the like, of displayed images by selectively altering
one or more of the pixels within the pixel layer 210 to control an amount
of backlight that passes through the pixels according to specified red,
green and blue gain settings. In one or more embodiments, the images that
are displayed can be images generated by image data received from
computer 200 via data and signal interface component 260.

[0032] Display device 150 also comprises a backlight drive current
controller 230 that controls a level of drive current forwarded to the at
least one backlight 215. Backlight drive current controller 230 is
coupled between backlight 215 and device power module 240, in one
embodiment, for power management of display device. In one embodiment,
backlight drive current controller 230 is coupled to and receives control
input from an internal processor/controller 225 of display device 150
and/or from processing components within computer 200. Display device 150
also comprises at least one ambient light sensor (ALS) 160 which detects
ambient light information within a particular viewing space (or ambient
light space) around the display device and/or impinging on the LCD screen
205. ALS 160 is communicatively coupled to one or more processing
components within the different control circuitry that can be located
within display device 150. In an alternate embodiment, ALS 160 is
communicatively coupled to processing components, such as GPU 125 and PWM
135 (FIG. 1), which can be located external to display device 150, e.g.,
on a connected computer 200.

[0033] Display device 150 also comprises non-volatile storage 250 within
which can be stored luminance control firmware 252, which includes a
power and color combining utility 254 and according to one or more
embodiments, an Optimal Power and Color Adjustment Module (OPCAM) 255.
While illustrated in FIG. 2 as a firmware based module that exists within
display device 150, it is appreciated that in alternate embodiments,
OPCAM 255 can exist as a combination of hardware and firmware and can be
located within other functional components of display 150 and/or of
connected processing components. For example, as shown by the dashed
lines in FIG. 1 and as presented by the different embodiments illustrated
by FIGS. 3 and 4, OPCAM 255 can be a functional module within GPU 125
(FIGS. 1 and 3), or within backlight controller 230 and/or pixel layer
controller 435 (FIG. 4), or within a stand alone module (FIG. 3). As
presented herein, the term OPCAM 255 is intended to convey the
functionality described herein, which is in part presented by the
description of the flow chart of FIG. 5, and references to a specific
configuration of components relative to the implementation of features
attributed to OPCAM 255 are not intended to convey any limitations on
disclosure. Thus, the various features described herein as functionality
of OPCAM 255 can be implemented by existing control blocks of display
device and/or the connected processing components. And, implementation of
the functional aspects of the claimed subject matter and its equivalents,
regardless of whether any reference is made to the term OPCAM, are
understood to still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0034] According to the described embodiments, during image processing by
display device 150, OPCAM 255: (a) receives the detected ambient light
information from the ALS 160; (b) identifies characteristics of the
ambient light including brightness and color temperature; (c) selects a
pre-calculated combination of power level and color details that
collectively enables a pre-determined acceptable display quality of
images displayed on the display screen when within the particular viewing
space, while optimizing power usage by the display device 150; and (d)
respectively forwards the pre-calculated power level and color details to
concurrently trigger the backlight drive current controller 230 and the
pixel layer controller 235 to provide a specific amount of drive current
to the backlight 215 and a specific set of color characteristics/details,
including an amount of color intensity of the pixel layer 210. The amount
of drive current and set of color characteristics collectively yields the
pre-determined acceptable display quality of the displayed images, while
optimizing power usage by the display device 150.

[0035] According to one aspect of the disclosure, OPCAM 255 selects the
pre-calculated combination of power level and color details from among a
plurality of pre-established combinations, which can be stored within a
data structure or table maintained in a persistent storage of display
device 150. Each pre-established combination supports the pre-determined
acceptable display quality of images displayed on the display screen 205
when the display device 150 is located within a viewing space having
pre-identified types of color and luminance characteristics associated
with detected ambient light.

[0036] According to one aspect of the disclosure, display device 150
comprises at least one input mechanism that enables input of specific
display preferences, including at least one of a preferred power
consumption level and a preferred color quality level, for the display
device. As illustrated by FIG. 2, the input mechanism can include power
and control buttons 270 disposed within or on the display device 150.
Alternatively, as described with FIG. 1, the one or more input mechanism
can be associated with the input devices of the computer itself In
response to or following receipt of input of specific display
preferences, the OPCAM 255 utilizes the specific display preferences in
determining which combination of power level and color details to select
for displaying images on the display device 150 within a current viewing
space.

[0037] In one alternate embodiment, OPCAM 255 comprises operational logic
that: responsive to receipt of the ambient light information from the ALS
160 that indicates specific color and brightness characteristics that
fall within one of a plurality of pre-established ranges, dynamically
reduces a level of drive current to reduce an intensity of the backlight,
while concurrently increasing a color level of an image being displayed
to compensate for both: (a) a color of the ambient light; and (b) the
reduction in the backlight intensity. Accordingly, an amount of power
utilized by the backlight is decreased while providing the pre-determined
acceptable display image quality.

[0038] Also, according to one embodiment, pixel layer controller 235 is
communicatively coupled to and receives image data from a data and signal
interface component 260 that receives visual display image data from one
or more of graphical processing unit 125, CPU 105, and any other
connected processing device/component executing software that generates
the image data. Then, responsive to receipt of the pre-calculated color
details from the OPCAM, the pixel layer controller 235 sets color
details, including an amount of color intensity, that are applied to an
image being generated from the received visual display image data.

[0039] As previously described, the display device 150 can be an LCD
having a backlight comprised of one of a plurality of white light
emitting diodes (LEDs), RGB LEDs, Sequential RGB (SRGB) LEDs and a cool
cathode florescent light (CCFL). Within display device 150, backlight
drive current controller 230 is coupled to a power source, external power
supply 245, via device power module 240. Responsive to receipt of the
pre-calculated power-level information from the OPCAM 255, the backlight
drive current controller 230 sets a level of drive current that is
forwarded to the backlight 215.

[0040] FIG. 3 provides a first alternate configuration of the functional
logic components of display device 150 with ambient light sensor
providing feedback to an intermediate feedback analysis module, feedback
analyzer 340, of OPCAM 255. According to the presented embodiment of FIG.
3, OPCAM 255 is a separate module that includes a specific feedback
analyzer 340 which is separate from but communicatively connected to
backlight controller 230 and pixel layer controller 235. Feedback
analyzer 340 includes OPCAM logic 355 and power and color mapping data
structure 345. Feedback analyzer 340 and/or OPCAM 255 are communicatively
coupled to ALS 160 and receive sensed/detected ambient light information
from ALS 160. Feedback analyzer 340 and/or OPCAM 255 also received input
from frame buffer 360 of RGB/YUV gain data for one or more images being
scheduled for display on LCD screen 205 of display device 150. With the
provided inputs and the pre-stored power and color combination data from
data structure 345, feedback analyzer 340 is able to perform the above
sequence of processes attributed to OPCAM 255. Feedback analyzer 340 then
generates two outputs, a first power adjustment output (Py), which is
forwarded to backlight drive current controller 230 and a second color
details output (Cx), which is forwarded to pixel layer controller 235.

[0041]FIG. 4 provides a second alternate configuration of the functional
logic components of display device 150, according to one embodiment.
Within display device 150 of FIG. 4, both backlight controller 430 and
pixel layer controller 435 are illustrated as components of OPCAM 255.
ALS 160 is communicatively coupled to and provides feedback (ambient
light information) to both backlight controller 430 and pixel layer
controller 435. Backlight controller 430 and pixel layer controller 435
each contain OPCAM logic 355 and power and color mapping data structure
345, which are utilized by each of the controllers (430 and 435) to
determine a best combination of color characteristics and drive current
level to yield the required threshold quality of the display image, while
minimizing power consumption by the display device 150. As further
provided by FIG. 4, according to at least one embodiment, OPCAM logic 355
can be functional logic within GPU 125 and the processing of received
ambient light information can occur within GPU 125.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a flow chart of the
method for displaying images on an LCD display device (hereinafter LCD)
and which provides improved backlight control with color temperature
compensation. The method 500 begins at start block and proceeds to block
502 at which the LCD 150 is activated, either during a power on of the
device or a return from sleep, hibernate, or screen saver mode. During
the activation of LCD 150, the display properties (e.g., brightness and
color details, such as color intensity, temperature, and contrast) are
set to pre-established states or to a default or a last utilized state.
Method 500 then includes detecting, via at least one ALS 160 disposed
within a panel of the LCD 150, real-time ambient light information
associated with a particular viewing space surrounding the LCD 150 (block
504). In one embodiment, the ambient light information includes intensity
and color temperature of the ambient light impinging on the display
screen 205. The detected ambient light information is received by one or
more second devices (e.g., OPCAM 255) and analyzed (e.g., by feedback
analyzer 340) to identify characteristics of the detected ambient light
information related to light intensity and a color temperature of the
ambient light (block 506). Once the specific information is identified,
the method further includes OPCAM 255 automatically selecting (e.g., from
data structure 345) a pre-calculated, pre-determined, and/or
pre-evaluated combination of power level and color details that
collectively enables pre-determined acceptable display quality of images
displayed by the LCD 150 when the LCD 150 is located within the
particular viewing space (block 508). According to one aspect of the
disclosure, the pre-calculated combination also optimizes power usage by
the LCD 150.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the pre-calculated combination of
power level and color details is selected from among a plurality of
pre-established combinations. According to one aspect of that embodiment,
each pre-established combination supports the pre-determined acceptable
display quality of images displayed on the display screen when the
display device is located within a viewing space having pre-identified
types of color and luminance characteristics associated with detected
ambient light.

[0044] Also, in one alternate embodiment, the selecting of the specific
combination is performed by a graphics processing unit (GPU) 125
communicatively coupled to the at least one ALS 160 and to the backlight
drive current controller 230 and the pixel layer controller 235.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the method 500 includes receiving
one or more inputs of display settings/preferences related to at least
one of a preferred power consumption level and a preferred color quality
level, for the LCD 150. According to one aspect, the display settings can
include factors from among brightness, power control, and color
intensity, and color contrast. Also, the receipt of the display
settings/preferences is not necessarily contemporaneous with the
detection of the ambient light information, as the settings can be
provided earlier in time and stored within the display device storage. In
response to a determination (at block 510) that an input of display
settings/preferences has been received and are to be included in the
consideration of display settings by OPCAM 255, the method includes the
OPCAM 255 incorporating information received via the one or more inputs
of display settings/preferences into the selecting of the combination of
parameters that are respectively applied to the backlight and the pixel
layer of the LCD (block 512). Accordingly, with this embodiment, the
specific display preferences are utilized in the determination of which
combination of power level and color details are selected for displaying
images on the display device located within a current viewing space.
However, as provided at block 514, OPCAM 255 does not utilize the
settings/parameters input within the analysis in response to user
preferences not being considered.

[0046] With the completion (at block 512 and/or 514) of the identification
and selection of the optimal pre-calculated combination for the
particular display quality and detected ambient light, the method
comprises concurrently forwarding the selected pre-calculated power level
and color details to respectively trigger a backlight drive current
controller 230 and a pixel layer controller 235 of the LCD 205 to control
a level of applied power provided to the backlight 215 and applied color
characteristics, including an amount of color intensity, of the pixel
layer 210 (block 516). According to one aspect of the disclosure, the
applied power level and amount of color intensity collectively yields the
pre-determined acceptable display quality of color intensity and
illumination for displayed images, while reducing power consumption by a
backlight of the LCD.

[0047] As described above, and as illustrated by FIG. 4, the selecting can
be performed by OPCAM 255, which can comprise the backlight drive current
controller 430 and the pixel layer controller 435. The OPCAM 255 and
specifically the backlight drive current controller 430 and the pixel
layer controller 435 receives an input of the ambient light information
from the least one ALS 160.

[0048] Returning to method 500, responsive to receipt of the selected
combination, and particularly the pre-calculated power level, the
backlight drive current controller sets an amount of drive current being
forwarded to the backlight (block 518). Concurrently, the pixel layer
controller receives image data from a data and signal interface component
that receives visual display image data from one or more of a graphical
processing unit, a central processing unit, and an image source such as a
connected processing device executing software that generates the image
(block 518). Responsive to receipt of the pre-calculated color details
from the OPCAM 255, the method 500 comprises the pixel layer controller
setting color details, including an amount of color intensity, that are
applied to an image being generated from the received visual display
image data (block 520). The process then returns to block 504 at which
ambient light continues to be detected by ALS 160 and analyzed by OPCAM
255 to dynamically adjust color and brightness characteristics of the
images being displayed on LCD 150 to continually provide the desired
display quality, while minimizing power output by the LCD 150.

[0049] In the above described flow chart, one or more of the method
processes may be embodied in a computer readable device containing
computer readable code such that a series of steps are performed when the
computer readable code is executed on a computing device. In some
implementations, certain steps of the methods are combined, performed
simultaneously or in a different order, or perhaps omitted, without
deviating from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, while the method steps
are described and illustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific
sequence of steps is not meant to imply any limitations on the
disclosure. Changes may be made with regards to the sequence of steps
without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Use
of a particular sequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the
appended claims.

[0050] Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods,
apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to
embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of
the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of
blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be
implemented by computer program instructions. Computer program code for
carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be
written in any combination of one or more programming languages,
including an object oriented programming language, without limitation.
These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a
general purpose computer, special purpose computer, such as a GPU, or
other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such
that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or
other programmable data processing apparatus, performs the method for
implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.

[0051] As will be further appreciated, the processes in embodiments of the
present disclosure may be implemented using any combination of software,
firmware or hardware. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may
take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment
combining software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code,
etc.) and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein
as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the
present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product
embodied in one or more computer readable storage device(s) having
computer readable program code embodied thereon. Any combination of one
or more computer readable storage device(s) may be utilized. The computer
readable storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, an
electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or
semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination
of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the
computer readable storage device would include the following: an
electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer
diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory
(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory),
an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an
optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable
combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer
readable storage device may be any tangible medium that can contain, or
store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution
system, apparatus, or device.

[0052] While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system,
device or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without
departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended
that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0053] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be
exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The
described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain
the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to
enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure
for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.